By David Ball
Yarra Glen took on arch rivals Yarra Junction at the Eagles home ground in perfect conditions.
The home team jumped out of the blocks kicking the first two goals with Wadsworth in the middle and Morton up forward causing some headaches for the Yarra Glen defenders.
Sam Wood broke loose to kick 2 for Yarra Glen as they steadied to take a 4.2 to 3.2 lead into quarter time.
The second quarter was a scrappy affair as both sides fumbled and missed opportunities up forward.
Adding 2.4 each, the River Pigs maintained their one-goal lead at halftime.
The third quarter was a continuation of the second with both teams scoring 2.3, setting the scene for a tight finish.
Yarra Glen, however, piled on six goals in the last to finish with a solid four goal victory.
Ryan Smith moved into the ruck and provided a great drive, with Richard Wyles, Ben Ashton, Billy Gardner and Tom Sullivan getting on top in the midfield.
Marcus Kikidopolous added 2 goals to finish with 4 for the day.
Junction faded after matching it with Yarra Glen for most of the game to see the River Pigs victorious, 14.11 to 10.11.
Best players were Richie Wyles, Ryan Smith, Sam Wood, Tom Sullivan, Ben Ashton, Tom Sullivan and Marcus Kikidopolous with 4 goals. Other goalkickers were Nick McKenzie (2), Sam Wood (2) and singles to Jamie Brereton, Ben Ashton, Tom Sullivan, Richard Gurney, Richie Wyles and Ryan Smith.
Yarra Junction set the pace early in the reserve’ game to be 21 points up at quarter-time.
The second quarter saw Yarra Glen lift their intensity and with Adam Beath and Steven Mylas starting to get busy in the middle they were able to kick three goals to Yarra Junction’s four.
Yarra Junction took back control in the second half to run out easy winners, Yarra Glen going down 4.5 to 11.10.
The River Pigs lack of fitness showing.
Best players were Adam Beath, Steven Mylas, Heath Chamberlain, Jarrod Hull, Stirling Twite Moore and Daniel Kelly. Goal kickers were Heath Chamberlain, Drew Brodie, Stirling Twite Moore and Daniel Galbraith.
Next week Yarra Glen take the undefeated Warburton Millgrove at Warburton.
Clean sweep for Netball
The Yarra Glen Netball D Grade enjoyed their first game of the season after two byes and immediately jumped out to a quarter time lead, 9 to 5.
Full of energy the girls moved the ball well with the goal shooters, Sam Chetcuti (16) Kim Christian (17) finishing off the good play.
The defence excelled, keeping Yarra Junction to just 1 goal in the last quarter.
Yarra Glen winning easily 40 to 14.
Best players were Melissa Erickson, Sarah Matthews and Jayne Bashford.
C Grade started strongly to be 9 goals up at quarter time.
Defenders Jacinda Fraser and Michele Young intercepted and rebounded everything keeping Yarra Junction to just 5 goals for the game.
Yarra Glen’s ball movement was quick and efficient as they ran out easy winners 49 to 5, with Sarah Orlandi doing most of the scoring.
Best players were Ashley Shanks, Jacinda Fraser and Courtney Cochrane.
B Grade started well scoring 14 goals to 4 in both the first and second quarters.
By three quarter time they had stretched their lead to 22 before finally winning by 24, 45 goals to 21.
Alex Bray shot well for 17 goals with Natasha Bennett 16 and Meaghan Carter 13 finishing off the good work from the centre court.
Best Players were Chelsea Birchall, Tiah Large and Jasmin Wood.
The Yarra Glen A grade girls got off to a solid start against a very competitive Yarra Junction, taking a four goal lead into quarter time.
Yarra Glen’s defence were able to intercept and rebound just that bit better than their opposition as Yarra Glen continued to stretch their lead in each quarter to finish with a great 67 to 44 victory.
Best players were Madeline Hargrave (52 goals), Alana McGurgan, Brooke McGurgan and Lara Wandin Collins.
Next week all four teams will be in action away against Warburton Millgrove.
